Mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the relationship between computational thinking and creative problem-solving in esports players

Background The performance of individuals in esports environments is contingent upon the execution of high-level cognitive processes, including the capacity for rapid information processing, strategic decision-making, and the generation of creative solutions in uncertain conditions. The present study examined the mediating role of cognitive flexibility in the effect of esports players’ information processing skills on creative problem-solving. Methods This study employed a descriptive and relational design to investigate the relationships between computational thinking (CT), creative problem-solving (CPS), and the mediating role of cognitive flexibility (CF) among esports players. Research data were collected via Google Forms from 438 esports players selected through purposive sampling at the Digital Youth Center in Balıkesir. The research measures comprised the Computational Thinking Scale, the Cognitive Flexibility Scale, and the Creative Problem-Solving Scale. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0, where normality was confirmed through Skewness and Kurtosis values within the ±1.5 range. The mediation model was tested using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) with a bootstrapping method (5,000 resamples at a 95% confidence interval), evaluating the indirect effects of CT on CPS through CF. Results The present study demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between information computational thinking (CT) and both cognitive flexibility (CF) ( r = 0.628, p < 0.01) and creative problem solving (CPS) ( r = 0.614, p < 0.01). Also found that there was a positive correlation between CF and CPS ( r = 0.669, p < 0.01). In the mediation model, computational thinking significantly predicted CF ( a : b = 0.4425, p < 0.001); CF also significantly predicted CPS ( b : b = 1.2066, p < 0.001). The total effect ( c : b = 1.1165, p < 0.001) decreased when the mediating variable (CF) was included, yet it remained significant ( c ′: b = 0.5826, p < 0.001). Therefore, it can be concluded that mediation has occurred. The indirect effect was found to be significant, with a value of b = 0.5339. This is due to the 95% bootstrap confidence interval [0.3889, 0.6836] not including zero. Conclusion Computational thinking enhances creative problem-solving in esports players, both directly and indirectly through cognitive flexibility. The findings of this study indicate that the integration of computational thinking skills with cognitive flexibility into training processes could enhance creative and situationally adaptable decision-making capacity, thereby supporting esports performance.